New Iberia native Christian Simon, 10, who is enjoying life as an actor in California, returned this week to New Iberia and helped distribute holiday baskets to the needy on Saturday with the Knights of St. Peter Claver.

It’s been two years since 10-year-old Christian Simon made the move from New Iberia to California, but the young New Iberia native has been hard at work acting on several popular television shows and even has a regular role in a Disney cable channel show soon. 

Simon, who went to St. Edward School before leaving for the Golden State, is already a member of the Screen Actors Guild and has taken part in several television productions since moving away. 

His newest project, “Sydney To The Max,” casts him as Leo, the childhood best friend to Max in the show. Simon, who was in New Iberia on Saturday helping with the Knights of Peter Claver basket giveaway, said he has been loving his time working in the film industry and hasn’t forgotten his childhood friends in New Iberia. 

Simon, along with his grandfather, Joseph Simon, both spoke to The Daily Iberian for this Q&A.

How did you get

started acting?

(Christian Simon) I moved to California about two years ago, around 2016. I started with a show called “Iman and the Light Warriors” and I moved on to bigger things. I was on “Insecure,” “The Mick,” “Teachers.” I was on another show called “The Amazing World of Gumball,” where I played Darwin on Season 6. 

What is your newest project?

(Joseph) It’s called “Sydney to the Max” and it comes out Jan. 25. The concept of the show is Sydney is the daughter of Max and they live with her grandmother. It’s 2018, so when Sydney gets in situations the grandmother tells about how he was young, and it flashbacks to the ’90s. 

(Christian) For the young Max, I’m his best friend Leo. It’s very fun being in the ’90s. We learn a lot of history. It’s cool. 

How do your friends feel about you being on television?

(Christian) I don’t think they found out yet. 

(Joseph) They know, they just never saw you. We took him to St. Edward’s last year and the principal brought him to CHS because they had moved up. The principal let him come and spend an hour or two to talk with the kids. He couldn’t do that this year because they’re out of school this year. 

What are your future plans in acting?

(Christian) I definitely want to move up and do movies and other stuff.